We sit in silence for a short time, both drinking our cold drinks. My body and energy feel lighter than they have in a while. All I have ever wanted is to live my life how I want, to be free to explore something if I so chose to and I know that Aunt Cass has my back.
“You know that your parents and I were not on the same wavelength.” I nod. “They did not like that I lived my life freely, unlike them, who worked ten hours a day and never had time for you.”
“They always told me that I was more like you than mom.”
“That is why they kept you away from me. Believed that I was going to be a bad influence on you.”
“Yeah. I remember the arguments over my future. Dad wanted me to go to a private school, but Mom said that I should stay public as they would help me get street smarts as she called it, and it would impress colleges, if I was not an uptight twit.”
That makes her giggle.
“Twit. Good Lord, only your mother would use such words.”
“You know she liked people to think she was educated.”
“Oh, yes. Miss Harvard, who got the perfect man to marry, therefore furthering her name.”
“I am glad that I got sent to you when they passed. You gave me love and support, but also freedom. I am not sure that being in foster care would have done that.”
“Our system is flawed,” she adds.
Her smile is warm and loving and I am grateful for everything that she has done for me.
“Right, come on, my girl. Let’s go back outside and finish what we started. Then I think we will order takeout, and indulge in some food that we know is bad for us, but we won’t care and enjoy with some wine.”
“Now that, my dear Aunty, sounds like a plan.”
We go back outside and I groan as the heat hits me as soon as I step through the door. Aunt Cass laughs, while she secures the large sun hat on her head.
Now, why did I not think of that?
We work for the rest of the day, stopping for some lunch. We make plans for the Summer Festivals, what stock she will take, and how we will decorate her stall. As it will be freaking hot, we will have to rent a tent so we are not in the sun, add some fans and a generator to keep the soaps and some other items from melting.
When we finish for the day, we both part ways and have a nice cooling shower to freshen up before we order some food for our girls’ night in.
Aunt Cass makes a mean margarita and I think it will be perfect to go with some pizza and hot wings.
Drying off, I slip into a pair of cotton shorts and an old T-shirt that hangs off one shoulder, and forgo a bra, as I know my aunt will as well.
I do not bother with drying my hair, I clip half up, leaving half down then make my way downstairs. Music is already playing when I hit the bottom step, making me smile, because I see that my aunt had the same idea as me and went with margaritas instead of wine.
“Pizza is ordered. Cale has been informed that I am busy tonight, so he will not interrupt our girls’ night.”
“Did you guys have plans?” I ask, guilt niggling in my stomach.
“Oh, no. He said that he might pop in after work, but now he will meet the boys at the bar and play some poker.”
“Oh, okay. As long as I am not stopping a date night or something.”
“My girl, Cale knows that you come first and you know that he is okay with that. We both see you as a daughter.”
“And I love and appreciate you both, for everything that you have done. But I have a question for you.”
She sips from her glass, then licks her lips.
“Go on.”
“Why are you not living together?” She smiles like she was expecting my question.
